How Often Should I Get My BMW’s Oil Changed?

Oil changes are a standard part of any vehicle's maintenance routine. However, sometimes it's not clear how often you should get oil changes done or why they're so important.

BMW of Rochester Hills Service Center has put together this page to answer those questions for drivers from Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and Sterling Heights, MI.

Learn more about oil changes below!

When You Should Get an Oil Change

Oil changes are quick but important routine maintenance. On average, oil changes should be done every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, depending on the vehicle model and the oil used. Synthetic oil typically allows you to go further, so you might be closer to the 10,000-mile end, if that's what you use in your BMW.

So, if you need oil changes that often, how long do they take?

As we mentioned above, oil changes are pretty quick. They typically take about 30 minutes to an hour. How long it takes can depend on the vehicle you drive. Some cars have less accessible oil drain plugs, so it can take a little bit longer.

Why Are Oil Changes So Important?

Oil changes serve several functions and improve your vehicle's overall health. Routine maintenance helps keep your vehicle in better shape-and a car in good shape lasts longer than one that isn't.

More specifically, the engine oil itself serves a few purposes. When your engine runs, it heats up. There are a lot of moving parts in an engine. To prevent the engine from overheating and to keep those parts from scraping together, oil circulates through the engine, cooling and lubricating it.

Oil changes also improve gas mileage. Clean oil helps keep an engine running better. When an engine is running better, it has better fuel economy.

As oil circulates through the engine, it also collects any dirty particles in the engine. When you change your BMW's oil, the dirt and particles are removed from the engine.

Signs Your BMW Needs an Oil Change

So, getting the oil changed is good. How do you know when to change it?

There are a few signs you can look out for. The first is to keep an eye on how long it's been since your car's last oil change. Generally, technicians will put a sticker on the windshield to remind you when you should get your next oil change.

There is also an oil change dashboard light you can keep an eye out for. When the oil level is too low, a light that looks like an oil can will come on. You can get the oil changed before the light comes on. However, it's important not to wait too long to get the oil changed after the light comes on.

Some other signs include:

• Knocking or grinding noises from the engine
• Burning smell inside the cabin
• Oil level is low and consistency has changed

Get Your Oil Changed With Us